Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Homemade Calzones

With the husband working many afternoons and evenings, it is often just the kiddos and I, and lately the little man is ubber interested in what I am doing in the kitchen.

I am constantly tripping over him, and the dogs, taking away things he's pulled off the counter, letting him push the button on the food processor, distracting him while I open up the oven door. I've calculated that everything takes me twice as long.

Oh, and did I mention a 6 month old in the background?

But, honestly I wouldn't have it any other way. I like that he is interested in food and what I am doing. Perfect example was two nights ago, when I declared it pizza night. After my classic pizza dough had risen all afternoon and I was just about to make regular old pizza, I thought to myself, "why not calzones"?

Certainly, it cannot be hard to decorate one side of the dough, fold it over and bake right? So, the little man sat on the counter and he "helped" me decorate.

A calzone is so simple and such a fun variation of eating normal pizza. I will be doing this more often. I only had mushrooms, ham and cheese on hand, so that is what got stuffed inside. But, while we were assembling I was also imagining a Buffalo.....Chicken.....Calzone.

It's coming, don't you worry.

After rolling out the dough, spreading out our toppings, I folded over the other half of the dough and pinched the sides together, and cut a slit in the middle to let out a little steam while it cooked. Then brushed the dough with olive oil and sprinkled with parmesan cheese and oregano.

And a side of marinara of course.

I'd really like to have "the girls" over for a calzone making party. I'll provide the dough, beer and wine, you bring the stuffing of your choice. Is that geeky? Or cool?﻿